What Sand To Use To Level Lawn? (Guide)

Ever tried mowing your lawn only to feel like you’re bouncing over speed bumps? 

Uneven lawns are super common, and while they might not seem like a big deal at first, they can make mowing harder, cause water to pool in low spots, and even stress out your grass. 

The fix? Leveling. And the material most people reach for is sand. 

But here’s the thing: using the wrong kind of sand can actually hurt your lawn. 

That’s why in this guide, we’re going to look at what sand to use to level the lawn, and the types of sand you should avoid using.

#1 Masonry Sand

This one’s a favorite for a reason. 

Masonry sand, sometimes called play sand, is super fine and clean. It’s easy to spread, and because it’s not full of big rocks or debris, it sits nicely on the lawn surface without causing headaches.

If you’re tackling small dips, this is often the best choice.

The beauty of play sand is its texture. It glides right into low spots and blends without making the ground feel too heavy. 

Plus, since it’s used for kids’ sandboxes, it’s safe and free of harmful junk. 

The only thing to watch out for is overusing it. Too much pure sand can make the soil underneath compact and hard over time, which your grass roots won’t love. A light layer works best here.

Also Read: Can You Use Garden Soil For Grass?

#2 River Sand

You can also use river sand to level lawns. 

It’s washed, meaning most of the dirt, silt, and small particles have been removed. What you’re left with is a slightly coarser sand that drains really well. 

If you’ve got a lawn that tends to stay soggy, river sand might be the best option.

The coarser grains mean water doesn’t just sit there. It runs through faster, giving your grass a better chance to breathe. And because it’s heavier than play sand, it settles nicely into those uneven spots without blowing around too much in the wind.

Just keep in mind that river sand can sometimes be a little too chunky depending on the source. 

If the grains are too big, it might not blend as seamlessly with your soil. So, it’s smart to take a look at the texture before dumping a load onto your lawn.

Also Read: Will 2,4-D Kill Trees?

#3 Sand-Soil Mix

Now here’s the sweet spot for a lot of homeowners – a blend of sand and soil. 

This mix gives you the best of both worlds. The sand helps with drainage and leveling, while the soil adds nutrients and keeps the surface from becoming too compact. 

Your grass roots can move through it more easily, and you won’t end up with a hard, sandy patch where nothing grows.

A 50/50 mix is pretty standard.

You can buy pre-made mixes from landscaping suppliers, or you can make your own by mixing clean sand with topsoil. If you toss in a little compost too, you’re giving your lawn a nutrient boost that helps grass recover faster. 

This combo works especially well if you’re dealing with bigger low areas instead of just small uneven patches.

Why Is Sand Used For Lawn Leveling?

You might wonder why sand gets all the attention when it comes to leveling. 

It’s simple: it’s easy to work with, doesn’t clump like clay, and lets water drain instead of pooling. 

Grass loves having a smooth, breathable surface to grow on, and sand helps create that.

Think of it like this: when you fill dips with sand, you’re not only making mowing easier but also giving your lawn a stronger foundation. Uneven areas can collect too much water, stressing grass and inviting pests or disease.

Leveling with sand spreads things out evenly so your lawn has a better shot at staying healthy.

Sand Types To Avoid For Leveling Lawn

You should not use any type of sand to level lawns. Some types can do more harm than good.

Here are some you should definitely avoid:

• Beach sand. It might seem tempting if you live near the coast, but it’s full of salt. Salt and grass are not friends.
  
• Fill sand or construction sand. These come with clay, rocks, or other materials that compact too much. That leaves your lawn with poor drainage and unhappy roots.
  
• Dirty sand is another no-go. If it hasn’t been washed or cleaned, it could have debris, weeds, or even small chunks of concrete mixed in. None of that helps your lawn.

Stick with clean, washed sand that’s designed for landscaping or play areas.

Also Read: Alternatives To Straw For Grass Seed

Sand Vs Topsoil Vs Compost – Which Is Better?

This debate pops up a lot, and the truth is that it depends on your goal.

Sand is excellent for smoothing out the surface and improving drainage. But it doesn’t add much in terms of nutrients. 

That’s where topsoil and compost step in. 

Topsoil adds structure and organic matter, helping your lawn stay fertile. Compost takes it even further by packing in nutrients and beneficial microbes.

So, what’s the move? Use sand when you want leveling and better drainage. Use topsoil or compost when you want to boost soil health. The magic often happens when you mix them. 

Sand plus topsoil, or sand plus compost, gives you a balance between structure, nutrients, and drainage. 

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Leveling a lawn isn’t rocket science, but there are some common mistakes people make. 

The first big one is adding too much sand at once. If you dump a thick layer, your grass might suffocate underneath. It’s better to apply in thinner layers and repeat the process if needed.

Another mistake is using the wrong sand altogether. 

As mentioned, cheap construction sand or salty beach sand can ruin your lawn instead of helping it. Always choose a clean, fine sand or a proper sand-soil mix.

A lot of people also forget about timing. 

Leveling works best in spring or early fall, when the grass is actively growing. Do it in the middle of summer heat or winter dormancy, and your lawn will struggle to bounce back.

Finally, skipping aftercare is a mistake. Once you’ve spread your sand or mix, water it lightly so it settles in. Then keep an eye on the area, overseed if necessary, and mow a little higher until the grass recovers.

Bottom Line

You can use masonry sand, river sand or a sand soil mix to level your lawn.

Masonry sand works great for small fixes, river sand is ideal if you need better drainage, and a sand-soil mix often gives you the best balance overall. Stay away from salty or dirty sands!

Oh and don’t smother your grass with thick layers, and pick the right season to do the work.